July 24, 2012 (El Cajon)--An abundance of my childhood memories are focused around food. One memory that stands out is sitting at a black and yellow booth, hot breadsticks in hand, at Pat and Oscars. This restaurant held memories of family dinners, or friendly lunches, so I was devastated when these restaurants closed. Now,with great joy I bring good news: the chain has been transformed into a delectable combination of new and old, a twist of familiarity and contemporary design, reopening as O’s American Kitchen.
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Phil’s BBQ El Toro tri-tip sandwich takes one of ten regional titles to advance to the final round
July 19, 2012 (San Diego) -- On Wednesday, July 18, 2012, Phil’s BBQ was named the West Coast Regional Winner of the Travel Channel show “Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America.” Phil’s El Toro tri-tip sandwich is one of ten regional winners that will move on to the final round of judging, where one sandwich will be named Best Sandwich in America. There’s good news for East County foodies: Phil’s BBQ will be coming to Santee this fall. (Here’s a clip of the Phil’s BBQ segment.)
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Last week, after a morning of all work and no play, my editor and I craved escape from the heat wave --and more importantly a bite to eat.
We headed into the heart of El Cajon to the aptly titled Downtown Café.We found welcome relief from the sweltering heat as we swung open doors and stepped into the Downtown Café, a bold corner centerpiece of Main Street rich with vintage flair and historic ambience.
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July 15, 2012 (San Diego) – Andiamo Ristorante Italiano is kicking off summer with K-9’s and Cocktails on July 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 5950 Santo Road, San Diego.Enjoy superb food and cocktails with your dog in an outdoor atmosphere on the patio.
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July 11, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for gluten-free foods? Now 2GOOD2Bco-owners Mike Barbanti and Diana Benedek are bringing their entrees, delectable desserts and baked breads to you. The Encinitas-based business announces new 2GOOD2B delivery; a brand new service that combines the convenience of takeout with the quality of a healthy, home-cooked meal. Delivery is available countywide—including East County.
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July 10, 2012 (San Diego) -- Flamenco Night at Andiamo Ristorante is July 14 beginning at 5:30 p.m.with a prix fixe menu. The event features Malamana’s Spanish guitars and vocals in a fusion of flamenco and romantic Latin music.
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June 21, 2012 (San Diego)--The Taste of Little Saigon was created to showcase the many businesses in the newly established Little Saigon District, specifically the wide array of restaurants offering authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
This event, held Saturday June 23 from 1-5 p.m. on El Cajon Boulevard will also include performances from local singers and live painting by San Diego artist Leah Younker who paints urban landscapes of El Cajon Boulevard.
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June 20, 2012 (Ramona)—There are more than 60 wineries and vineyards (and counting!) within the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association. What better way to showcase Ramona—which was designated as an American Viticulture Area in 2006—as an up and coming wine region than through a new magazine designed to educate readers about award-winning wines and the people behind the process?
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June 21, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey is serving up some summer specials Gingham restaurant in La Mesa. Dubbed the first “urban cowboy diner”, Gingham features weekly themed events and specials, fun for couples, friends and families including movies and dining deals. Also, in conjunction with the La Mesa Car Show, Gingham will be offering some to-go food that will be cooked on the grill out back, perfect for anyone who wants to grab a quick lunch and go back to the festivities.
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June 19, 2012 (San Diego)—“Our honey reputation continues to make history,” Deerhorn Valley Antler editor Kim Hamilton announced today.
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Six Julian restaurants will welcome Bite guests to the apple-growing hills beginning this June
June 17, 2012 (Julian) -- Taking its acclaimed walking food tour “over the hill and through the woods,” this June, Bite San Diego, the successful food walking tour, is adding to its already acclaimed San Diego Tours with Bite San Diego, Julian. The food tasting and cultural walking tour features a guided tasting tour through one of San Diego’s most historically rich towns for eats and treats.
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June 15, 2012 (San Diego) – Malamana will be performing flamenco at Andiamo Ristorante on June 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m.The prixe fixe menu is $29.95 per person and includes 3 courses.
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June 12, 2012 (Alpine)- Janet’s Montana Cafe, a cozy little hideaway in Alpine, definitely shows the true meaning of western-style. The Old West theme was apparent the moment we walked in, greeted by a large bull moose head on the wall.
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June 12, 2012 (Lakeside)—Savoring flame-broiled, 100% Angus beef burgers at Steers, an Australian-based eatery that opened its first American restaurant in Lakeside last weekend, I predict that Steers will soon be rounding up a herd of loyal new customers.
After opening outlets in Australia and South Africa, the owners moved to La Jolla and scouted out an ideal location for their first U.S. venture. The site of the former Lakeside Steak House has been fully remodeled, serving up juicy burgers, espetadas (a shish-kabob like creation) and coming soon, steaks sizzling on the barbie.
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June 9, 2012 (La Mesa) – On June 12 winemaker Linda McWilliams, from San Pasqual Winery, and Gingham’s executive chef, Ryan Studebaker will combine to create a specially prepared 6 course dinner designed to pair specifically with six of San Pasquals wines.Gingham is located at 8384 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa.
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June 9, 2012 (San Diego) -- Bleu Boheme is hosting an interactive wine event featuring the Niven Family Wine Estates on June 19 at 4090 Adams Ave., San Diego.The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. when, at 30 minute intervals 20 guests will be greeted in the lounge and taken on a 7 station tour throughout the restaurant with wine and food pairings.
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June 1, 2012 (La Mesa) – In celebration of La Mesa’s 100th birthday San Pasqual Winery is offering a special Centennial Wine Tasting at its tasting room in downtown La Mesa at 8364 La Mesa Blvd.For $15 you receive 6 generous tastes of San Pasqual’s award winning wines in a keepsake 19 oz Centennial logo glass.
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May 31, 2012 (La Mesa) – In honor of La Mesa’s Centennial, on June 11 the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host its biggest-ever “Taste of La Mesa-Taste of the Century.” This delectable event takes place at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 La Mesa.
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Genetically modified foods linked to animal deaths, liver damage and sharp rise in allergies
May 28, 2012 (Sacramento)--California is ground zero in the growing national movement to give consumers the right to know if their food contains genetically engineered food, according to today’s front page story in the New York Times. The California Right to Know ballot initiative to label genetically engineered foods “cleared a crucial hurdle this month, setting the stage for a probable November vote that could influence not just food packaging but the future of American agriculture,” wrote Times reporters Amy Harmon and Andrew Pollack.
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“Asone of the first called to the table at Buffet at Viejas, I wish to say, ‘Thank you for a memorable feast. It was delightful.’”—Ariele Johannson
by Ariele Johannson
May 23, 2012 (Alpine)--The new Buffet at Viejas had its grand opening on Tuesday morning. The fanfare included a tribal blessing from Kumeyaay elder Virginia Christman and traditional bird songs led by tribal member John Christman. Viejas Tribal Vice Chairman, Robert “Cita” Welch, addressed a crowd of tribal elders, leaders, local dignitaries, Chamber of Commerce representatives, public and the press during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. With the smell of sage in the air being prepared for the smudging, he called the new buffet at Viejas among the best in the San Diego area.
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May 15, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diego hosted the ninth bi-annual World Beer Cup® this past weekend in conjunction with the Craft Brewer’s Conference. The conference brings together brewers from around the world with 4,500 attendees. The competition is highly regarded and considered the largest international gathering of beers with more than 3,921 entries from 799 breweries across 54 countries and 45 U.S. states.
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May 12, 2012 (Spring Valley) -- Maness Vineyard is holding the 4th Annual Food and Wine Mixer June 2 at historical Vineyard Mansion, 12685 Campo Road, Spring Valley from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.The event is to raise awareness for the local vineyards and wineries that are emerging across San Diego County.
The day will include entertainment such as local personality Diane Jean from The Brew Ha-Ha and Josh Tafoya on the baby grand.A grape stomping contest will be held as well.A charity raffle will benefit The House of Peru.
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Photos by Dave Billick, courtesy of Ramona Valley Vintners Assoc.
May 7, 2012 (San Diego)—The Ramona Valley Wine Region has proved to be a tough contender amongst some of the world’s best wines. Last month, an estimated 180 people witnessed three Ramona wines defeat the French in the French American Wine Challenge, a blind-tasting held at Fifty Seven Degrees wine bar in Mission Hills.
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May 6, 2012 (San Diego) – Bleu Boheme in Kensington is celebrating Mother’s Day with a special Brunch Prix Fixe on May 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.The three course meal includes hors d’oeuvres, entree and dessert for $39.95 per person.
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May 4, 2012 (San Diego) – Terra American Bistro in East County is among area restaurants highlighted as part of Celiac Awareness Month in May.An estimated 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, which is an autoimmune digestive disease.People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye as well as many other food products.During Celiac Awareness Month San Diego restaurateurs will be offering a wide, delicious, healthy array of gluten-free dining options.
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May 4, 2012 (Julian) -- Jeremy’s on the Hill and Milagro Farm Vineyards are starting Mother’s Day weekend with a very special wine pairing event on May 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Jeremy’s, 4354 Highway 78, Wynola (just outside of Julian).
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May 2, 2012 (San Diego) -- Andiamo Ristorante is celebrating Cinque di Mayo with live music on the patio with Rosie G and Ed and a prix fixe special menu.Menu items include Filleto “Cinque di Mayo”, a pan-seared 8oz fillet mignon finished with chipotle chile, garlic, gorgonzola cheese, fresh rosemary and a touch of cream and a Shrimp “Mojo de Ajo”, jumbo Mexican shrimp finished with clarified butter, fresh garlic, cilantro and a touch of “Salsa Asada”.
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May 1, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announced that the fourth annual “Taste of La Mesa - Taste of the Century” event will be held on June 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa. This year the Chamber has added “Taste of the Century” to celebrate the City of La Mesaʼs 100th Anniversary.
The evening allows guests to sample fare from many local restaurants and food providers, as well as winetasting and craft beers.
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Book Signing with Greg Koch from Stone Brewing Co. Takes Place at Yard House on May 3 During the Craft Brewers Conference
May 1,2012 (San Diego) – The Craft Brewers Conference gets underway in San Diego May 2-5 and Yard House, which helped to fuel the craft brew craze 15 years ago when it opened its 250-tap flagship restaurant in Long Beach, will host two events before and during the gathering at its Downtown location at 4th and Broadway.
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Chef Ted Reader’s brings on the smoke and the flavor with these tasty tidbits
April 29, 2012 (Toronto, Ont.) -- With Spring already here, and Summer around the corner, people are gearing up to entertain guests during the warm summer months. Meat smoking is becoming very popular in local restaurants this season, and Chef Ted Reader has come up with these five easy tips from his new book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Smoking Foods, to help you get rolling the first time you fire up your smoker, and every time to follow.
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July 15, 2012 (San Diego) – Andiamo Ristorante Italiano is kicking off summer with K-9’s and Cocktails on July 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 5950 Santo Road, San Diego.
July 10, 2012 (San Diego) -- Flamenco Night at Andiamo Ristorante is July 14 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
By Serena Scaglione
June 15, 2012 (San Diego) – Malamana will be performing flamenco at Andiamo Ristorante on June 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
June 9, 2012 (La Mesa) – On June 12 winemaker Linda McWilliams, from San Pasqual Winery, and Gingham’s executive chef, Ryan Studebaker will combine to create a specially prepared 6 course dinner designed to pair specifically with six of San Pasquals wines.
June 9, 2012 (San Diego) -- Bleu Boheme is hosting an interactive wine event featuring the Niven Family Wine Estates on June 19 at 4090 Adams Ave., San Diego.
June 1, 2012 (La Mesa) – In celebration of La Mesa’s 100th birthday San Pasqual Winery is offering a special Centennial Wine Tasting at its tasting room in downtown La Mesa at 8364 La Mesa Blvd.
May 12, 2012 (Spring Valley) -- Maness Vineyard is holding the 4th Annual Food and Wine Mixer June 2 at historical Vineyard Mansion, 12685 Campo Road, Spring Valley from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
By Serena Scaglione
May 6, 2012 (San Diego) – Bleu Boheme 
By Kate Yapjoco
May 4, 2012 (Julian) -- Jeremy’s on the Hill and Milagro Farm Vineyards are starting Mother’s Day weekend with a very special wine pairing event on May 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Jeremy’s, 4354 Highway 78, Wynola (just outside of Julian).
May 2, 2012 (San Diego) -- Andiamo Ristorante is celebrating Cinque di Mayo with live music on the patio with Rosie G and Ed and a prix fixe special menu.
May 1, 2012 (La Mesa) -- 
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